Obama's Down, But Not Out

I left the Republican convention in St. Paul with a cold, that turned into a sinus infection, that turned into a chest infection, that has turned into the final stages of tuberculosis (that last part only feels true). So I know how Barack Obama must be feeling.

The low point of a campaign – with your running mate a gaffe-machine and your celebrity appeal stolen by a backwoods, caribou-hunting Joan of Arc – is not fun. And Obama, grown accustomed to adulation, is used to politics being fun. A campaign low point is not merely an opportunity for your opponents to jeer, it is an opportunity for the establishment of your party (many still smarting from a primary loss) to offer their "help" and "advice" – which usually goes: "You should have listened to us earlier."

Obama has a right to be frustrated. He has lost ground without making major mistakes. And Republicans haven't done many things right – save one. The first two days of the St. Paul convention were overshadowed by an act of God. McCain's speech was unmemorable (except for its moving ending). Only Sarah Palin can be credited with the shifting dynamic of the presidential race.

But the reaction has been remarkable. The media's initial, sneering reception of Palin caused a major backlash, first among Republicans, then among the broader public. The abuse of Palin's religious tradition in the press backfired badly. In Palin, Americans found something they have never seen on a national political ticket before: Someone who is really like them. Not a prince of the Senate, playing up his distant, working class roots like Joe Biden. Not ambitious, Ivy-league operators like Obama or Gore or Clinton or Kerry. Not even an anti-elitist son of privilege like George W. Bush. In Palin, Americans see a candidate whose husband has a chin beard, who named one of her sons Track, who loves the outdoors and killing things in the outdoors. It was the campaign appeal of Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln – and it should not be underestimated.

Palin is not going to be easily dismissed as a right-wing fanatic (see Ken Dilanian's story in USA Today) or as obviously out-of-her depth (her ABC interview has a few rough spots, but she is clearly a quick policy study). Biden's attempt to use Palin's Down syndrome son in an argument for stem cell research was a total botch – ineffective and offensive at the same time. The Palin phenomenon may gradually fade over the next few weeks, but it is not likely to be punctured like a balloon by Democratic attacks. Team Obama is going to need to ignore Palin and try to change the subject.

Right now, Obama is trying to change the subject to the unfairness of recent McCain attacks – by launching his own unfair attack. There is little question that McCain's commercial attacking Obama for promoting sex education in Kindergarten was unfair (the bill Obama supported in Illinois talked of "age appropriate" education, not the distribution of condoms to six-year-olds). But Obama's new ad mocking McCain as an ancient, unstylish computer-illiterate relic (equating his '80s suits with a disco ball) is not only unfair but also personal. Obama seems to be saying: "Two can play at this game of dirty politics." But this is a trap for Obama. Because his launch in American politics involved the appeal to a different and better kind of politics – a politics of hope – Obama is hurt most by a general descent into viciousness. It undermines the central justification of his campaign.

In fact, Obama does not need to overreact in this way. Even at this low point of his campaign, he can take comfort in two objective advantages:

First, his low point is quite high – dead even in the tracking polls, or a few points behind. He would be foolish to panic in ways that undermine his main appeal – which is precisely what he seems to be doing. He seems determined to take each of the baits offered by the McCain campaign – reducing him to a permanent defensive crouch.

Second, McCain has not taken his recent bump in the polls as an opportunity to reinforce his broad message of reform with specific and innovative policies. This may still hurt McCain in the end. But it will require Obama to talk in serious ways about the economy and health care – not disco balls and wide lapels.

FACT SHEET: Military record of John Sidney McCain III
Both McCain III’s father and grandfather were Admirals in the United States Navy. His father
Admiral John S. ”Junior” McCain was commander of U.S. forces in Europe - later commander of
American forces in Vietnam while McCain III was being held prisoner of war. His grandfather
John S. McCain, Sr. commanded naval aviation at the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.
McCain III, like his father and grandfather, also attended the United States Naval Academy.
McCain III finished near the bottom of his graduating class in 1958.

McCain III lost five U.S. Navy aircraft
1 - Student pilot McCain III lost jet number one in 1958 when he plunged into Corpus
Christi Bay while practicing landings.
2 - Pilot McCain III lost another plane two years later while he was deployed in the
Mediterranean. ”Flying too low over the Iberian Peninsula, he took out some power lines
which led to a spate of newspaper stories in which he was predictably identified as the
son of an admiral.
3 - Pilot McCain III lost number three in 1965 when he was returning from flying a Navy
trainer solo to Philadelphia for an Army-Navy football game. McCain III radioed, ”I’ve got
a flameout” and ejected at one thousand feet. The plane crashed to the ground and
McCain III floated to a deserted beach.
4 - Combat pilot McCain III lost his fourth on July 29, 1967, soon after he was assigned to
the USS Forrestal as an A-4 Skyhawk combat pilot. While waiting his turn for takeoff, an
accidently fired rocket slammed into McCain Jr’s. plane. He escaped from the burning
aircraft, but the explosions that followed killed 134 sailors, destroyed at least 20 aircraft,
and threatened to sink the ship.
5 - Combat pilot McCain III lost a fifth plane three months later (Oct. 26, 1967) during his
23rd mission over North Vietnam when he failed to avoid a surface-to-air missile. McCain
III ejected from the plane breaking both arms and a leg in the process and subsequently
parachuted into Truc Bach Lake near Hanoi. After being pulled from the lake by the North
Vietnamese, McCain III was bayoneted in his left foot and shoulder and struck by a rifle
butt. He was then transported to the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton.

1973 New York Daily News labeled POW McCain III a “PW Songbird”
On McCain III’s fourth day of being denied medical treatment, slapped, and threatened with
death by the communist (they were demanding military information in exchange for medical
treatment), McCain III broke and told his interrogator, ”O.K., I’ll give you military information if you
will take me to the hospital.” U.S. News and World Report, May 14, 1973 article written by former
POW John McCain.
It was then that the communist learned that McCain III’s father was Admiral John S. McCain,
the soon-to-be commander of all U.S. Forces in the Pacific. The Vietnamese rushed McCain III to
Gai Lam military hospital (U.S. government documents), a medical facility normally unavailable
for U.S. POWs.
By Nov. 9, 1967 (U.S. government documents) Hanoi press was quoting McCain III describing
his mission including the number of aircraft in his flight, information about rescue ships, and the
order of which U.S. attacks would take place.
While in still in North Vietnam’s military hospital, McCain III gave an interview to prominent
French television reporter Francois Chalais for a series titled Life in Hanoi. Chalais’ interview with
McCain III was aired in Europe.
Vietnamese doctors operated on McCain’s Leg in early December, 1967.
Six weeks after he was shot down, McCain was taken from the hospital and delivered to a
U.S. POW camp,
In May of 1968, McCain III allowed himself to be interviewed by two North Vietnamese
generals at separate times.” May 14, 1973 article written by former POW John McCain
In August 1968, other POWs learned for the first time that John McCain III had been taken
prisoner.
On June 5, 1969, the New York Daily News reported in a article headlined Reds Say PW
Songbird Is Pilot Son of Admiral, “ . . . Hanoi has aired a broadcast in which the pilot son of
United States Commander in the Pacific, Adm. John McCain, purportedly admits to having
bombed civilian targets in North Vietnam and praises medical treatment he has received since
being taken prisoner . . .” The Washington Post explained McCain III’s broadcast: “The English-
Language broadcast beamed at South Vietnam was one of a series using American prisoners. It
was in response to a plea by Defense Secretary Melvin S. Laird, May 19, that North Vietnam treat
prisoners according to the humanitarian standards set forth by the Geneva Convention.”
In 1970, McCain III agreed to an interview with Dr. Fernando Barral, a Spanish psychiatrist
who was living in Cuba at the time.
The meeting between Barral and McCain III (which was photographed by the Vietnamese)
took place away from the prison at the office of the Committee for Foreign Cultural Relations in
Hanoi (declassified government document). During the meeting, POW McCain sipped coffee and
ate oranges and cakes with the Cuban.
While talking with Barral, McCain III further seriously violated the military Code of Conduct by
failing to evade answering questions ”to the utmost of his ability” when he, according government
documents, helped Barral by answering questions in Spanish, a language McCain had learned in
school. The interview was published in the in January 1970.

McCain III was released from North Vietnam March 15, 1973
In 1993, during one of his many trips back to Hanoi, McCain asked the Vietnamese not to
make public any records they hold pertaining to returned U.S. POWs. McCain III claims, that
while a POW, he tried to kill himself.

McCain III was awarded “medals for valor” equal to nearly a medal-and-a-half for each
hour he spent in combat
For 23 combat missions (an estimated 20 hours over enemy territory), the U.S. Navy awarded
McCain III, the son of famous admirals, a Silver Star, a Legion of Merit for Valor, a Distinguished
Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars, two Commendation medals plus two Purple Hearts and a
dozen service medals.
“McCain had roughly 20 hours in combat,” explains Bill Bell, a veteran of Vietnam and former
chief of the U.S. Office for POW/MIA Affairs -- the first official U.S. representative in Vietnam
since the 1973 fall of Saigon.
“Since McCain got 28 medals,” Bell continued, “that equals to about a medal-and-a-half for
each hour he spent in combat. There were infantry guys -- grunts on the ground -- who had more
than 7,000 hours in combat and I can tell you that there were times and situations where I’m sure
a prison cell would have looked pretty good to them by comparison. The question really is how
many guys got that number of medals for not being shot down.”
For years, McCain has been an unchecked master at manipulating an overly friendly and
biased news media. The former POW turned Congressman, turned U.S. Senator, has managed
to gloss over his failures as a pilot and his collaborations with the enemy to become America’s
POW-hero presidential candidate.
For more information: www.againstmccain.com www.usveterandispatch.com

Good points. It's my view that the press/media (and not the candidates) needs to take the pivotal role in informing the public of what is truthful/correct and what is not. The press needs to be the filter. How else can we make well-informed and valid decisions?

while i have great sympathy for McCain, it is interesting that the press does not pick up on his singing in Hanoi, as well as his ignition role (causing the plane behind to fire a missle that was doused with heat exhaust from McCain's "wet start") on Forrestal that killed 132, or dwell on the Keating 5. One hesitates to psychologize, but he is trying to compensate for the deaths he has helped to occur by the mistaken belief that starting other wars will assuage his feelings of guilt. you see, wars are the only way, in his mind, to create the conditions where "honor" can be earned. that is sick, but he has been through a lot and has been dimenting, so I give him a little wiggle room, but not to lie. and little Mrs. Tuffet, with all of her untruths and lack of substance--but plucky desire to risk her family, not to mention the Nation--is not going to help him win. rather, she will propel him to a bad loss. the bills are coming due.

58 year old Republican grandma--who will be voting for the future, that is, not for McCain and Mrs. Tuffet.

McCain needs to be given generous doses of his own medicine. He has everyone who has a republican affiliate card throwing mud and slime at Barack. And we know there is a huge segment of the population out there that will buy anything being sold by the other side not to vote for a man of color. Barack has nothing to lose dishing out what he has been getting.

Talk about manufacturing a story. Obamas support remains rock solid in the 44-48 range. He has not fluctuated more than a few points in either direction. McCain made a big splash with Palin that moved his numbers up, then they fell. McCain will continue with his smoke and mirrors campaign that will temporarily move numbers one way or the other. Obama will just keep taking his message to the voters and will continue to gain support in small increments. The press and Republicans would love for him to join the noise fest, as it would save them having to cover real policy positions and differences. Oh, I forgot, McCain doesn't really have any real policy positions.

The reality is that Obama has gone as far as he can with his limited experience, relententless attacks on McCain and Palin, and without being able to connect with most voters. If he comes off real and straigthforward, without a teleprompter, he will not be on the same page policy wise with most voters. If he continues to use empty cliche's like "change you can believe in" the voters don't know if these are code words or what they mean.

Obama is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. If he takes the high road than he is soft. If he fights back, he stoops to his competitors level. As a democrat, this is extremely frustrating. Here we have a candidate who seems really focused on trying to be proactive with the issues at hand and instead, he has to deflect the junk thrown his way by a candidate who hasn't expressed his ideas or visions. I do believe that the Palin nostalgia will wear off. I just hope it happens before 11/4.

I'm a twice-a-week church-going Methodist, and what I find most distressing isn't the media's attitude towards her faith but her own. She asserts, in the tradition of Falwell, Robertson and Dobson, that God's grace is conditional, a view that in fact flies in the face of the Gospel. Sarah and many of her supporters remind me of the elder sibling in the story of the Prodigal Son -- indignant and resentful. They blame all of their problems on the sins of others, and they assume their sins are prettier in God's eyes than those of their neighbors.

This does more damage to God's Kingdom than anything any reporter ever submitted to an editor. Shame on these politicians perverting the Word for personal gain.

IF the Press will cover it widely, the Interview Gov Palin gave with Gibson should end all chances for Senator McCain. She proved unbelievably ignorant, and extremely proud of it. She repeated rote answers to different questions, didn't know anything about the Bush Doctrine, the Russian-Georgian War, and was clearly resentfull that anyone would want such details from her. Its has already came out that she just blankly sat there during her foreign policy briefings, not asking questions, and apparently not retaining anything much.
Its clear that Gov Palin hasn't thought as much about foreign policy as the average campaign intern before now, and isn't eager to ever think deeply about very much.
We also have two other, even more worrisome possiblities.
1. The McCain Campaign can't put together a reasonably comperhensive foreign Policy Briefing, since the questions she missed should have been in the first 5 points of any briefing.
2. Gov Palin is unable to either understand or retain the most basic of information about anyting outside of her world Experience in Alaska.

Nice try, you BS propagandist. Obama has been leading for months, and you suggest that a short blip in the polls, probably due to the circus side-show that is Sarah Palin (and which will disappear as quickly as is materialized), indicate the Rethugs are bound to win. Get serious! We are quite as stupid as the fools who take what you say seriously.

Nantucket Mama, McCain's plane was across the flight deck of the Forrestal, not even near the plane from which a missle accidently fired. I suppose that's what happens when you get your facts from fringe websites like your friend Andrea. I think McCain's war record and the Keating 5 have been greatly dissected by the mainstream media. However, if it means debunking these internet myths, let the press inquiries begin with earnest. I've read on the internet that Obama's a Muslim and that he's gay. It must be true. Sure wish the guy would stop lying.

You hesitate to psychologize but follow that up with some psychobabble that you heard on a commercial for a medical assistants college during a break from Dr. Phil. By the way, what is 'dimenting.' That's not even a word. That AA degree you earned in prison must have gone a bit light on the spelling and grammar. What does being a 58 year old grandmother have to do with anything. If you don't want to vote for McCain, don't. Your age and role as a grandmother mean nothing.

Helen wrote on September 12, 2008 at 1:34 PM: "Baracky Hussein Obama has an extremely liberal Senate voting record - he cannot run and hide from that fact.
Democrats for John McCain and Sarah Palin in 2008"

Dear Helen, I've seen this same post plastered in numerous places and I would like to ask you something. Maybe I am an idiot, but after years of hearing the "He's a . . . LIBUREL!!" hurled at numerous people as the worst possible political expletive, I have to admit, I still don't know what it is supposed to mean. Would you mind filling in your brilliant idea a bit, or is that REALLY all you have to offer as a point (in which case, to be honest, it does not reflect a great deal of intelligence on your part).

I just saw the first piece of the Palin interview. Here's my analogy to explain what I saw. When you hire a COO for a Fortune 50 company, it is okay for that person to be unfamilar with the ideosyncracies of the firm. However, it's not okay if that person isn't familiar with what a balance sheet is. The woman actually said that the fact that you can "see Russia" from Alaska is evidence of her foreign policy credentials. Quick policy study? This woman, in all honesty, is completely out of her depth. As I watched her, I reflected back on times when I was overmatched in a conversation or a job interview. I was offering the same kinds of answers and behaving the same way (nervous and skittish). People, let's get real about this and put aside all the partisan nonsense. This woman has clearly shown that she's out of her league. For intelligent people to accept her talking about Alaska supplying 20% of US energy needs as a substantive check in the national security column is beyond my comprehension. I'm not the sharpest tack in the box and if she didn't pass my "idiot test" it makes me wonder where her supporters stack up on the bell curve. I knew what the "Bush Doctrine" was.

Well said! I work at NIH. I have a B.S. degree and know a little about science. I am quite good at what I do, but that doesn't qualify me to be a scientist of a medical doctor treating patients.

Palin is a Governor and she may be a good one. But just because she is considered a politician doesn't automatically make her fit to be Vice President. Her answers, or lackthereof the other day, prove that.

Obama is doing the right thing. Clearly, most Americans are idiots that will believe anything they hear on TV.
That's the ONLY reason McCain is tied with Obama now: the LIES LIES LIES of his convention. It ain't Sarah Palin, folks. It's the attacks, smears, and lies.

Fight back Obama. Give them a taste of their own medicine. We ALL know what playing Mr. Nice Guy like Gore and Kerry will get you.

You sir may be proud to be a republican but I see a party that turned out to be sewage. The republican party once was a proud moral party. It has been hijacked by the likes of you . The republican party does not have a monopoly on religion. You deserved to catch a cold at that hate filled convention that offered nothing of substance and alot of venom. Only the fanatic would have enjoyed it. The rest of us proud , god fearing patriots were merely disgusted with it .

a lot of the state by state polls show very interesting data in the past week, altho admittedly a number of these polls are a bit dated....but they all show a general pattern, across regions, that GOP is gaining and the Dems are sliding... previously Obama had strong hopes to win Georgia, now he is down 17Points in GA...had hoped to possibly pull a win in NCarolina, but is now down there by 20...a number of States have moved from Leans Republican to Likely Republican, while no State has moved from Leans Dem to Likely Dem.., and even in very important States that Kerry took in 04 (PENN espec), mccain is within 1 to 4 points of Obama, depending on which poll is looked at....bottom line is that across the country, and across all Regions - south, west, midwest- the Repubs are gaining, and the Dems are slipping...not dramatic slips, but still slipping, and no Dem gains in any state that I have seen reported in the past 2 or 3 weeks....not that the Bottom is falling out of the obama campaign, as some claim, but the shine is off the obama brand, he is no longer the agent of change he first was, and the Repubs have a good chance (probably now 50/50) to pull a win for the White house in november....in a number of states, Dems are grousing that their race for congressional seats might be in jeopardy espec. in States that elected Dem. congressmen in 06 in what had been historically republican House Districts....somehow, obama needs to reclaimh is punch, verve and storyline...or alternatively, in the Debates, mccain and/or Palin need to make a BIG goof.... altho leave it to Biden to continue to say really stupid things like his comment this week on Palin's baby proving the need for stem cell research...now that was a really stupid remark, Joe, heartless and insensitive...the kind that can stop a conversation at the family dinner table dead in its tracks! keep up the good work, Joe, and McCain might make you Ambassador to Fiji or some other remote place!!!!

Michael Gerson, former Rovian speech writer for President Bush, doesn’t think liberals, or for that matter readers like me, should target or even question Sarah Palin’s religion or beliefs.

I agree Obama shouldn't condescend to Palin's level, but disagree that anyone else should stand by and ignore this uniformed woman's beliefs. Particularly when it has been said that this evangelical Christian was specifically chosen for her ability to energize the religious right and “social conservatives” in the Republican Party based on her relgious convictions.

Gerson quotes Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s wish that God protect our troops going off to fight Hitler as an example of the use of religion in politics and war, implying Palin offers no different a sentiment when she spoke to her church’s ministerial graduates about the Alaska National Guard going off to Iraq.

He didn’t quote the vice presidential nominee, and with good reason. Her comments were more sharply drawn. She said, "Our national leaders are sending them out on a task that is from God." I think that is quite different from what FDR was expressing.

I personally don’t believe that God would task Americans with invading a country on the basis of unfounded fears and “intelligence fixed to match the policy,” resulting in the deaths of over a million Iraqis. He, being all knowing, would have known Iraq didn’t have WMD and nothing to do with 9-11, Al Qaeda or the “War on Terror.”

Just as I don’t think wholesale murder and the destruction of Muslim countries is “God’s plan,” I don’t agree with Sarah Palin’s assertion that a new natural gas pipeline in Alaska is high on His “to do” list.

"God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that," Palin told the graduates from her bully pulpit. I personally find it repulsive to use God’s name or speak for Him in such a way.
I also thought it unfortunate and inappropriate for Gerson to find room in his commentary to bring up the discredited Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and then not even mention Sarah Palin’s current preacher, Larry Kroon.

Kroon explained in a newspaper article a week ago why the pipeline needs to be built. He says it is because the “end of days” are upon us, and that many Americans will be fleeing to Alaska, and the pipeline is necessary to provide for them as is God’s will. Well, that would be until the rapture I can only presume.
The rapture is at the heart of my concerns. Sarah Palin’s religious beliefs say the rapture and end of days is God’s plan, and that’s fine. We still have freedom of religion here in America.
However, I don’t want someone a heartbeat away from “the button” that could unleash a nuclear holocaust on the world, believing that God’s plan is to end the world. In particular, I am concerned that Sarah Palin may believe she is the chosen vessel to accomplish that final task in the name of God.

BTW: the post-convention bounce has taken M-P about as high as they will go. The muzzle has been taken off Palin. She's Ready! Ready to prove for another four years the Republican thesis that government doesn't work.

You should both take a look at factcheck.org. Where they look at the myths about McCain and his airplane crashes.

2 of his crashes were due to engine failure (not pilot error).

The powerline incident did not result in the loss of the aircraft.

And the Forrestal diaster was not in any way caused by McCain, his aricraft was not capable of a "wet-start" (it has not afterburner), plus logistacally his plane was facing such that a "wet-start" would not have had an effect anyway.

When he was shot down it was because he was unable to avoid 15 surface-to-air missiles plus heavy anti-aircraft fire.

Finally, yes, it would be great if he had said absolutly nothing while in captivity, that is not a very reasonable goal. I wouldn't expect a prisoner to say nothing, but I do expect them to act in good faith and retain all that they can, and I believe that he did that (though nobody can know for sure beside McCain himself).

US history has several examples where our military commanders (Genl. Washington) or Presidents (Lincoln, Wilson) have invoked the power of the Almighty to protect US troops and lead them to vistory... altho Palin is certainly in no league with any of these 3 leaders, it is by no means
unprecedented for seeking Divine Inspiration and Divine Protection in winning our independence, or protecting the Union, or beating German militarism- or today, in defeating Islamic terrorism....

Who has more Experience in governing :
Barak Obama ? as community activist and two and 1/2 years as Senator at Federal level
Sarah Palin ? executive Experiences as Mayor and Governor of Alaska.
J Biden and McCain ? Only Legislature Experiences as Senators.

I am truly disguested witht the choices presented to us by both parties. However, it seems to me that the Obama campains should take a stance such as "(while smiling), Good, Gosh, they are using the same old campaign strateties that have been in play against every Democratic candidate since Dukakis. That goes right along with their having the same old policies and ideas for running the government." End case.

Obama should have run a campaign ad against the McCain based on the theme "Thief." I bet that one would get everyone's attention because it would ring true for the other side, since the McCain people cannot come up with their own original campaign theme (and change is not theirs - stolen from Obama).

The Obama campaign should present with the same sort of amused stance that one would use with an acting out child, i.e., "they've used the same old campaign attacks since Dukakis. What sad is that they also have the same old ideas and policies for running our country.

Quick study? You've got to be kidding! She had the look of someone who had crammed the week leading up to the interview and was now winging it by associating words in the questions with what she had tried to learn. She was repetitive and never directly answered Gibson's questions.

And since when does being able to see a piece of land qualify as foreign policy credentials? That is such a ludicrous answer. By that account, my foreign policy credentials are top-notch since I've already traveled to more countries than she has and I've flown over land of more countries. Maybe, I should be Vice President.

Democrats, please slow down. Sarah Palin is just the flavor of the month. There is going to be a part of our society that will support McCain no matter what but Obama will be back on top after the debates.

I admire John McCain's courage and his dedication to his country. I don't admire his politics or his intellect.

And his pick of Palin while politically clever nows reveals a man willing to risk a national disaster should he be elected and then be unable to finish his term due to death or other related health issues.

President Palin would be pressured into acting tough - maybe by her party maybe by her own internal insecurities of not knowing everything she should know or just that she's a small woman who has had to be tough to get what she wanted.

That could be devastating with China or Russia as world tensions mount due to zero sum politics and economics. (I win you lose - like sports)

Obama could be way ahead. He failed to understand the nature of his attraction to the voters. Smart liberals love him, black americans love him, smart moderates tolerate him, and ordinary people don't particularly like him.

Ordinary people don't particularly like Hillary - smart women love her and a lot of people who are hurting realize she's got the goods. Now Barack could have sealed the deal by picking Hillary. A lot of black voters didn't want him to pick her but unless Barack has a change of heart he will lose and the democratic party not gain in the house and senate in a year they should be taking the pubs to the wall. Joe Biden is willing to step doen for the good of the country. He's the kind of man I wish John McCain was - honest and still putting his country before himself.

I don't have anything personal against Sarah Palin except she is not qualified to be president.We started the wrong war on the wrong people for the wrong reason and she believes it's a divine providence from God. No wonder the muslims detest Christianity.With her religious views we might be headed for a christian caliphate similar to the Muslims system of running the government.
As far as her snide remark about community organizers, While she was at a gala functions doing mayoral duties the community organizer was probably dealing with and energy company trying to keep the heat and lights on for the poor.
While she was sitting at her desk twiddling her fingers the community organizer was trying to get the snow covered streets in Chicago cleared so that poor women could at least go the bus stop to get to work.While she was so concerned about her brother in law's job the community organizer was probably confronting the school board about unqualified and uncaring teachers failing community children. She should remember that community organizers represent the last bastion of hope for those who are less fortunate and left to their own devices by the small town mayors.

Let's take in point the author of THIS article. Why, instead of chiding Obama for taking a few mild swings of his own is, does Gerson not tell the voters over and over of the lies and smears of the McC campaign? This is exactly why Obama must, because most in the media will not. The media for the most part have been bought and paid for by the Republicans or cowed into deference. If we can't depend upon the media for the facts, who then?

Good points. It's my view that the press/media (and not the candidates) needs to take the pivotal role in informing the public of what is truthful/correct and what is not. The press needs to be the filter. How else can we make well-informed and valid decisions?

Talk about a balloon popping, the ENTIRE OBAMA PERSONALITY CULT started when he gave those soaring speeches about healing the planet and (more importantly) THAT HE WAS ABOVE THE OLD STYLE WASHINGTON POLITICS... THIS MOVED YOUNG PEOPLE.

NOW HE JUST LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER WASHINGTON POLITICIAN SLINGING STUPID ADS. (Does he really think insulting old people is smart???)

HIS LUSTER IS GONE AND WHAT'S LEFT? NO RECORD. NO ACHIEVEMENT. COMMUNITY ORGANIZING.

You wrote,
"Obama has a right to be frustrated. He has lost ground without making major mistakes"

~The democratic primaries were loaded with major mistakes (the media chose to ignore at the time).
~Obama said Hillary Clinton would be on any-one's short list; yet he chose Joe Biden (and, how many votes did Joe get?) ?
~He agreed to public funding and then went back on his word.
~Said he'd like to be at the town hall meeting with McCain, but he had to look at his schedule.
~He promises to be different, yet his greatest endorsers are from the politics as usual establishment,
~ and was selected by the DNC,(speaking of Washington politics)

In spite of Obama's motivational speeches (filled with idealistic & hopeful promises of change), it does not seem probable that he'll be getting new followers; as he doesn't seem to have anything new or truly unique to offer.

There are too many examples to list, but the one that is annoying me now is:

Remember 4 years ago when the DNC offered up a Vietnam war vet? The Republicans railed him for throwing his medals away. John McCain "sang like a canary" when he was being tortured. Where are the anti-patriotism ads for this guy?

And I read a posting from a Republican stating that "Democrats are not interested in facts." I recall Bush saying he and his administration were not interested in facts. Truth is, Democrats are only interested in facts. Republicans manufacture truth.

You wrote,
"Obama has a right to be frustrated. He has lost ground without making major mistakes"

~The democratic primaries were loaded with major mistakes (the media chose to ignore at the time).

~Obama said Hillary Clinton would be on any-one's short list; yet he chose Joe Biden (and, how many votes did Joe get?) ?

~He agreed to public funding and then went back on his word.

~Said he'd like to be at the town hall meetings with McCain, but he had to look at his schedule.

~He promises to be different, yet his greatest endorsers are from the politics as usual establishment,

~ and was selected by the DNC,(speaking of Washington politics)

In spite of Obama's motivational speeches (filled with idealistic & hopeful promises of change), it does not seem probable that he'll be getting new followers; as he doesn't seem to have anything new or truly unique to offer.

Michael Gibbon, what town do you think Palin was mayor of that would enable her to go to gala events? What gala events are held in Wasilla, Alaska?

Obama has made much of his time as a community organizer. I tend to stay away from light fiction so I'm not sure what his two autobiographical pamphlets, er, books say about his community organizing. I also read two to three newspapers a day and am still unaware of what he did (not what you hypothetical community organizers probably do) as a community organizer. I'm not so sure that Palin was lumping all community organizers in her question of what a community organizer does. More to the point, I think she was asking what Obama's community organizing consisted of. But hey, let the phony outrage fall where it may.

If you don't like Palin or McCain, do something about it to get your man elected-volunteer, give money, whatever it takes (though I'm not sure sniveling comments to the WP are going to cut it). Palin's not qualified to be VP, McCain's ancient, the election's there for the taking. If Obama can't seal the deal, you're out of luck. Better hope you're community organizer can get you to the bus stop. I'm just sorry that George Bush can't run again.

It's impressive that, to date, no Republican, even the moderates, have acknowledged any problem with the last 8 years. They're joyous to forget about that, and happy to focus on the horse race. Yea! We're winning again! Mission Accom...oops. You idiots have elected people that only know how to campaign but not govern. If Obama wins, the liberals may only dominate the next 20 years, with McCain it could be the next 40.

I respectfully disagree with some of Mr. Gersons analysis... first off I believe it is quite important to have a president that is informed about technology - enough so as to USE IT! Someone that knows there are ideas and "inventions" of thoughts that show alternative ways to solve problems. Someone that THINKS beyond their stubborn positions. The fact that he, now two decades after computers became common place STILL does not know even the basics says a hell of a lot to me.

Further I disagree that Obama should not defend his position. Lets be honest here (if one could only hope)... McCain is lying in a good share of his ads. The media will not use this term - they mince words - HE IS LYING! This is integrity? This is an honest person? This is a man that would be president who listens to his sleeze campaign officials and says whatever they suggest, no matter how negative, to be president? What's he going to be like if he wins? Another GWB - throw out those that don't agree and listen to one sided fanatics? [And Sarah has done this in her position already - cronyism to the hilt!]

The american voter is simple minded, dare I say stupid when it comes to our government. They don't care to take the time to analyize statements - they hear negative ads attaching Obama and BELIEVE IT as gospel! I mean come on - GWB WON RE-ELECTION! How stupid could we be... and yet we're once again not only considering the same path but at this point selecting it! Palin might be nice, she might be cute and sweet (oh boy - sexist) but she is NOT Presidential material. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE A BEER WITH HER OR McCAIN! I want someone in that office that is DAMN smart. Someone that can THINK not only in multiple shades of gray but in chroma-color! Someone that KNOWS there are more than one way to defend a nation and to promote our best interests.

McCain focuses on attacks because he has no change - where is it? What's his plans? Obama's website now and for a long time has his plans detailed - he is PLEDGING to reduce taxes and his plan shows more so than McCain yet McCain lies and says the opposite.

But you know what - I fear it will happen again. The "average" joes out there, just like in high school - hate the "nerds"... they, the average joes, are the "cool guys"... and they want to see that in the highest office in the world. Another round of mediocre politics.

What am always reading is negative articles and blames to the Candidates.

Your job is to educate people. You need to write and show the difference between the two in their policies and where they want to take the nation. Yes they have layed them down in their websites, but not everybody is reading them from there.

We are in a situation where we do not know where the nation will end up.

Please educate and do not entertain the gossiping news which are not beneficial to many if not all.

I am SICK and TIRED of hearing about McCains POW status... enough already. He's a hero. SO WHAT? There are MANY, HUNDREDs (more?) that ALSO went through this - they too are heros - but does that make them presidential material? Of course not! The fact that he was a POW could be a negative just as much as a positive. It could be why he is SO stubborn about WAR and not willing to realize that there are other ways to deal with people. The news media are too weak-kneed to say anythihng. I'm tired of this being brought out to appease the weak minded amongst us (the majority it seems). He's a hero - ok - we've heard that ad nauseum...now where does he stand on the economy? On energy (DRILL BABY DRILL nonsense)? and all the other issues that effect us NOW.

It is very ironic that Abraham Lincoln's name comes up as a politician comparable to Palin; he is clearly the greatest Republican and the one with an Obamaesque resume: no executive experience, short legislative stints in Illinois and Washington, a relentlessly focussed, logician and lawyer, who road a wave of celebrity from his rhetorical skill in debates to the White House.

He had Obama's experience, which was good enough for past Republicans and was the greatest president of the US. If we want to compare McCain to anyone, it might be McClellan or Winfield Scott in his dotage.

Lincoln dared to stare down Polk and call him a scurrilous thief of Mexican lands and used impeccable logic to prove that our justification of the Mexican War had much more to resemblance to Putin's recent reasoning for his attack on Georgia than any justifiable act of national defense.

Palin is in no way comparable to Lincoln other than through her party affiliation and that present party has little or no resemblance to its Grand Old Progenitor.

Man you Democrats are sounding fearful. You guys better be careful. "Loser" and "wimp" are already being whispered about Obama by the media and even Democrats up for reelection. Your candidate is going to be defined here pretty quick. About time to fit Obama for an army helmet and get him on a tank for the loser photo-op.

Oh come on now Gerson,your beginning to sound like your drinking the toxic Obama kool aid along with the rest of WAPO OBAMA Shills. The hard cold reality is the 2008
Messiah Barack Obama and Big Mouth Joe Biden is now DOA,so help bury it Stupid!

And all the Smears and lies out of all the
2700 paid Obamabots and 300 Advisors and
every WAPO Obama Shill and all the rest of
the in the tank for Obama & Biden cannot
revive it's dead corpse! RIP Obama/Biden!

So get used to President John McCain and Vice President Sarah Palin and accept that
the fake Messiah wonder boy phony empty suit Barack Hussein Obama and old Gaffer
Big Mouth Joe Biden self destructed their
own campaign all by their little old wimpy
Marxist Socialist Democrat Liberal Extremist Selves! And by Barack Obama trying to lie about his being a Muslim
Extremist with ties thru Now Convicted
Felon Scumlord and Syrian Government Agent
Terrorist Tony Fixer Rezko along with Obama
self confessed heavy duty Cocaine Addiction
and Lush Joe Biden Alcoholism plus Black
Panther Beauty Queen Wannabe Racist Obama's
own wife,the hateful lipstick wearing pig
and her big mouth and hatred of white folks
are all contributing factors why that right
now Obama/Biden is DOA Permanently! So now
Nancy Pelsoi and Howard Deans Errand Boys
Fake Messiah Barack Hussein Obama and Big
Mouth Drunkard Joe Biden can go join all the other Liberal Democrat Losers such as
Windsurfer John Kerry and pretty boy John
Edwards the Adulterer,Al Gore and Joe Liberman,Micheal Dukakis,Jimmy Carter,and
George McGovern. Go Sarah & John 2008!

I'd be very worried if my presidential candidate were more inexperienced that the opponent's vice-presidential candidate.
Obama is a vapid naif, and its becoming clear to enough people to insure his defeat. That is a very good thing for America.

Obama should absolutely stay on offensive, sticking to the issues and attacking McCain on his record and plans. He should ignore Palin but must walk a fine line in responding to these rediculous ads by McCain. If he doesn't respond in some way he's percieved as weak. Taking the high road got Kerry nowhere. (Of course the fact that McCain's bump is almost exclusively due to white men and woman enraputured by her potentially throws all that out the window)

Obama needs to float a grand idea that involves the price of gas: He should pledge to reduce the price of gas by x amount within the first 6 months in office. Probably not possible but it would get people listening and off caribou with lipstick. It would help him ease into accepting off-shore drilling as part of the plan without seeming like he's changing his mind just for the election. It sets a goal that seems within reach since any plan towards energy independence will take many years.

Obama should absolutely stay on offensive, sticking to the issues and attacking McCain on his record and plans. He should ignore Palin but must walk a fine line in responding to these rediculous ads by McCain. If he doesn't respond in some way he's percieved as weak. Taking the high road got Kerry nowhere. (Of course the fact that McCain's bump is almost exclusively due to white men and woman enraputured by her potentially throws all that out the window)

Obama needs to float a grand idea that involves the price of gas: He should pledge to reduce the price of gas by x amount within the first 6 months in office. Probably not possible but it would get people listening and off caribou with lipstick. It would help him ease into accepting off-shore drilling as part of the plan without seeming like he's changing his mind just for the election. It sets a goal that seems within reach since any plan towards energy independence will take many years.

John McCain was once an honorable man and an American hero. But times have changed. John McCain once put America First. But now he only puts John McCain first.

An honorable man would never hire the disciples of Karl Rove, the very same man who trashed him in 2000, to run his campaign.

An honorable man would not attack his opponent for using phrases he himself has used.

An honorable man would not claim his opponent wanted to teach kindergarten kids sex education when he knows full when the legislation was designed to help kids avoid sexual predators.

An honorable man would not continue to spout lies about his running mates record which have been proved false time and again.

An honorable man knows that when you say "Thanks, but no thanks" you DON'T KEEP THE MONEY, especially money that could have gone to help New Orleans.

An honorable man would not risk his country's future by choosing a running mate who has to cram for basic interviews like a college student who spent the semester partying and suddenly finds out there's a final exam in two weeks. Regardless of how quick a study she may be.

An honorable man would not try to turn the election of the Leader of the Free World into a joke just to get elected.

John McCain's sole case that he should be President was that he's a man of CHARACTER. That was the entire message of the GOP convention. That's the kind of person I'd vote for over an inexperienced candidate like Obama. But this political hack with no principles and no ideas is not a man who deserves my or your vote.

Obama may be an empty suit, he may be arrogant, and he may be an elitist. But he is the only candidate who seems remotely interested in conducting a serious debate about how to solve the issues facing our country. That's the kind of man who has the character to be President.

"Obama has a right to be frustrated. He has lost ground without making major mistakes."
... no, he made one MAJOR MISTAKE ... he did not choose Hillary Clinton for his running mate ... that told us more about him, than her!
McCain-Palin '08
Hillary 2012!!

Over in the Republican camp, that tough old salt, McCain, has come about smartly, outmaneuvering the Dems by choosing a baroque woman from Alaska as his #2. But here he’s run into his own humbug. If military experience were so important to the nation’s top office, you’d think he – at 72 years old – would want a serious chief mate to take command if he were struck down. Ms. Palin’s military experience is limited to 22 months as captain of the Alaska National Guard. Then again, she might be an improvement over McCain anyway.
His right to rule, McCain says, comes from his superior command of the military situation. But the claim looks counterfeit. During his tour of duty McCain, lost five U.S. Navy aircraft, four in accidents, one in combat. The first one went down in Corpus Christi Bay when he was practicing landings. The second crash occurred over Spain, when he was flying too low. He took out some power lines and bailed out. Number three was wrecked when he was flying into Philadelphia for an Army-Navy football game. The fourth one, at least, was not his fault. An accidentally-fired rocket hit his plane when he was waiting to take off. The resulting explosion killed 134 sailors, destroyed 20 aircraft and nearly sank the ship. Finally, in 1967, he got shot down, roughed up...and then, by his own admission, collaborated with the enemy in order to save his skin. Maybe getting shot down was just bad luck too, but sailors are a superstitious lot. They’d probably give the heave-ho to this right Jonah rather than set sail with him as captain.

Oh come on Gerson the Obama/Biden Pathetic
Excuse for a Presidential Campaign has sure
already ended in total failure and complete
disgrace from the very first minute that
smirking,arrogant,obnoxious,sexist and racist white women hating phony Messiah
Barack Hussein Obama and his goofy big mouth pal Joe Biden and Smearmaster David
Axelrod and the 2700 paid Obamabot posters,
30 Obama lawyers,and 300 Advisors all first
started to attack first Hillary Clinton and
now are Smearing and Spreading Lies about
Republican Vice President Nominee AK Gov
Sarah Palin along with their never ending
dirty vile attacks on Sen John McCain,the
2008 Republican Presidential Nominee. And
that has already turned millions of women
voters off totally on Obama/Biden and they
will dang sure vote McCain/Palin in reply
against the Smear Machine Obama/Biden/and
Axelrod Smears,Lies,and Obama open hatred
of white women have ended all chance of
Messiah Barack Hussein Obama and Big Mouth
Joe Biden ever,ever being elected President
and Vice President.

So I suggest Barack Hussein Obama needs to
go get his old Chicago Community Organizer
Job,of tacking flyers up on light posts
ASAP since that is clearly more in line
with "Obama's Pay Grade"! And Joe Biden
needs to get his lips sewn shot as well.

McCain - Palin are for change? Not likely given some of their advisors, like Phil Gramm, who wrote the deregulation statutes that resulted in the mortgage meltdown, called America "a nation of whiners," and now (at least informally) advises McCain. Not likely given Mayor Palin getting an earmark for her city to build a hockey arena, but not to get a sewage treatment plant. Not likely given Mayor and Governor Palin's penchant for cutting taxes on locals, then getting federal government earmarks (meaning those of us in the other 49 states) to make up the difference. Not likely when she still claims to have said "no thanks" to the Bridge to Nowhere, but kept the money anyway, and now is behind the construction of the access road to that same Bridge. McCain - Palin: Building The On-Ramp To Nowhere.

John McCain is a national hero,prepared to be President.Obama is essentially a zero. Never before in presidential politics has a candidate been as inexperienced, naive, and ill- prepared as Obama. His grandiose schemes to expand existing social programs and create new ones will dissipate once they are carefully examined.He can not lead our country in today's troubled, dangerous world. What good will free health care do us if we do not survive as a country? The prospect of an Obama presidency is truly frightening.

Well, this column certainly proves that this guy was really sick. and under deadline and had to come up with SOMETHING. Forget it.
What a position to be in: responsibility to predict the future when one is sick to death with a sickness.
This is stupid.

"Our survival as a nation will be in great peril if we are subjected to an Obama presidency."

Really. I keep hearing these baseless claims, usually (as in this case) backed up by bupkis. Like the McCain campaign, people throw out these claims, meant, I suppose, to scare us, but - also like the McCain campaign - do not provide any specifics about how this heinous deed is to be accomplished.

If you're that concerned about the nation, I'm sure you've done the research and can back up the statement in some detail.

Obama is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. If he takes the high road than he is soft. If he fights back, he stoops to his competitors level. As a democrat, this is extremely frustrating. Here we have a candidate who seems really focused on trying to be proactive with the issues at hand and instead, he has to deflect the junk thrown his way by a candidate who hasn't expressed his ideas or visions. I do believe that the Palin nostalgia will wear off. I just hope it happens before 11/4.

___________________________________________
Is that why Obama, who says he wants to have a debate about the issues, refused to debate Hillary after the debacle in PN and John McCain's offer of joint town hall style meetings ? Because he got his clocked cleaned in every one, that's why.

He's focused on speechifying about them, sure, but will run for dear life at the mere mention of a systematic, point-by-point, deep analysis of the issues.

More proof, if any were needed, that "Conservative" has nothing to do with being conservative. The Founding Fathers expected representative government to be an aristocracy of merit. And for most of our history, people looked for superior individuals to be President. Andrew Jackson was no exception: he was an educated man, a successful businessman and plantation owner, a victorious general, the founder of the City of Memphis. The notion that Sarah Palin is a latter-day Andrew Jackson is ridiculous.

The suggestion that she is Abraham Lincoln is beyond ridiculous. He did not think of himself of as a "common man" nor did the citizens of this country think of him that way. Having humble origins and being "common" (i.e. ordinary) are entirely different things. Sarah Palin is ordinary at best.

Look obama is a lightweight, everyone knows it, without the teleprompter he looks really small. Palin is a threat to the old school feminists who are for women ONLY if they are liberal women.
Could this be a new feminist movement?, you have to admit it must be pretty exciting as a "sister" to have a woman this close, a "genuine" woman at that. Obama is off his game because someone named Palin showed up-period. Biden is a gaffe waiting to happen and loses votes, may turn out to be a fatal decision for Obama, ignoring 18 million voters and HC.

These idiot keep spouting about these stupid polls that are clearly proves nothing because the popular votes means nothing, Obama is kicking McCain butt in electorial votes and that's all that matters.

SHEILA you really don't know what your talking about. When Obama loses penn and micigan he will lose the election. Unless Obama is up by 9 points he will lose both states because rural white democrats lie to the pollsters about who they support. A affirmative action ref. on the last ballot to ban aff. action only polled 45 percent until the election when it passed by 58%. Get real. So actually you are the idiot.

Correction
I posted this very early on other sites. Some of the edits are very tight. I dare Gibson and ABC to stream the "raw" footage without burnt in but continuous timecode. Palin knows the questions and answers. There are to many edits. They cut her answers. You cann't cram and not make mistakes. Actually, its a poor editing job because she talks so fast sometimes making the edits abrupt. Most tv journalist will pick this up. The average Joe or Jane blow won't.
.

RICK DAVIS, McCain's man is controlling the press. He throws what I call "flash bang grenades" "He told you the campaign wasn't going to be about issues. What has it been about Oprah and lip stick. And the press just plays along with their behinds up in the air. Can you believe with all the problems in this country that they spent two whole days and on lipstick. Rick controls everything about Palin including who she talks too. ABC network went to bed with him for ratings. What good is a bunch of cut up edited tapes spread out over who knows how long. Charlie Gibson already lost his creditability with the Obama interview, but now he has sold his soul to the devil. He's worst than fox news. Its all about control for Rick Davis the real press will never get a chance to interview Palin. Her first real "live" press conference will not take place for months, win or lose because she's NOT READY FOR PRIMETIME. And if she is NOT READY FOR PRIMETIME, then how can she help lead (or possibly lead) this country? She is the biggest sham the republican party has going but more importantly, she's dangerous for the country. Since there are those in the media afraid to say it, I'll say it for them. The press traveling with Palin can't even ask her questions,but they can record the same stump speech over and over again. The country has her speech but doesn't know who she is because they are kept away from asking her about her views.
LOOK OUT! BANG! Palin Talks Up Clinton on ABC Rick just threw another grenade and the media is off track again! For instance,is Palin's husband subpoenaed in 'Troopergate' probe. The BBC beat the washington post with the headlines and its 9:27PM Let me help you with a clue washpost. Todd is related to a certain VP candidate for the US States. That's real news.
By the way Charlie, you sellout, don't forget to thank your sponsor...RICK DAVIS. Next up Fox News as I predicted earlier. (What a suprise)Glen Beck will probably get a shot, maybe "Morning Joe" But I repeat there will not be any "live" or taped Q and A from legit press. None.

Well, I am not sure Obama is down or not. But,let us pretend he is down, he is going to get up. When he get up, look out Gerson, he is going to kick your face so hard your nasty teeth would be like flying all over the place and you would be like toothless forever.

Obama is closing the gap, if there ever was one, in the Gallup tracking poll. McCain caught up but the trend is going the other way now. Obama doesn't need to be a human punching bag for McCain. He has plenty of material to use to combat McCain's attacks. McCain came off rather badly on The View. It seems Barbara Walters and others on The View can ask harder questions than some of her male colleagues. It is somewhat encouraging that the legitimate press (that would exclude Fox News) are now pointing out McCain and Palin's lies. There is still a long time to election. The debates will be critical. If the debate moderators control the process and force the candidates to provide specific answers, McCain and Palin are in trouble.

How could any true blue American vote for some one with the name Barrack HUSSIEN Obama, not me. and besides there has been to much in the media and on the web about him being connected or has had affiliation with Chicago currupted politians, a rich Saudia paying for his college. I don't like the Bush adminstration and don't believe in the war in Iraq, but it is a war that needs to be fisnished, but this is one democrat that is going with McCain, and the Country that he Loves.

I disagree about the McCain "computer illiterate" ad. This man is a dinosaur and the wired American public need to know.

No need to attack Palin just expose her record of earmarks and pork-barrel spending. Alaska is America's mini welfare state sucking money out of Washington so fast Monika L. would blush AND benefiting from Big Oil revenue. Anyone with a pulse could govern Alaska.

Sorry GOP, but Palin's second interview which aired tonight, was even less impressive than her first. Her impressions on the economy sounded sophomoric. My GOP hubby called her a "moron"...he is not voting for McCain, says they don't have a clue about geo politics or the conomy.

Obama and Biden have the intelligence, compassion and reason to make carefully thought out decisions to help our country out of the Bush rut. The shoot from the hip GOP tactic of the past 8 years have been a complete disaster and are not working. Talking about CHANGE and REFORM, the last two months of the election, rings hollow GOP. We ain't buying it.

Look Obama does not have the skill sets of an Executive. He has managed to hide the following.

Well, I would like to see someone post information regarding the following:

Obams's Occidental College records
Obama's Columbia College records
Obama's Columbia Thesis paper
Obama's Harvard College records
Obama's Selective Service Registration
Obama's Medical records
Obama's Illinois State Senate records
A certified copy of Obama’s Original Birth Certificate
Obama's embossed, signed paper Certification of Live Birth
Any Obama Harvard Law Review articles that were published (I have found one.)
Obama's University of Chicago scholarly articles or publications.
I would like to see his national test scores, his grants, his scholarships, his
income tax reports for those years he was in college.
I have been unable to determine IF HE has a FBI and National Security
If a legitimate background check that WAS CONDUCTED in the field vs being done in Chicago or in DC.

He is HIDING his entire formative years.

Mr. Obama is being considered for the highest job in America, and he should provide the above as if he would be interviewing for that position in Corporate American.

If his true effectiveness under stress can be gauged.. he is not Presidential material. His attacks on Palin are related to his ego and the fact that he is a sexist against white females.

I can find no record except perhaps one that he has worked in the white community since entering College. He is the first to use the race card. There is no mention in the MSM about his verbal slip referring to MY MUSLIM FAITH last sunday on ABC.

He makes jokes about his lipstick on a pig.

Folks spend some time doing research on Obama THE KING. You will find some articles NO LONGER AVAILABLE because they have been scrubbed if they are negative.

I have read his books, viewed his speeches and etc.. He is nothing but a CHICAGO POLITICIAN all dressed up with a HARVARD LAW DEGREE. Look at his contacts, his contracts, his payoffs to supporters, friends and relatives of friends while in Chicago.

Remember that during his first year in the Senate... he spent on the campaign trail for other Democrats.. then the has SPENT TWO YEARS and may spend in excess of 500 million dollars on his bid to be president.

Take a look at his key people in his campaign... they are PEOPLE THAT HELPED him get where he is today.

HE OFFERS NOTHING NEW... just the same old crony politics that we have on the Hill.

His ideas are jut that taking an old pig putting lipstick on the pig and then SELLING THAT PIG as new and improved.

In his case he is the lipsticked pig.. same ole, same ole dirty politics.

he is for self above all others. If you can not benefit him NOW in his bid to be KING. You are dead in the water.

Palin for change she has stolen the golden boy's image...now she needs to use her freshness to learn HOW to STOMP the good ole boys to death on the hill.

"McCain gets emotional at the mention of military families needing food stamps or veterans lacking health care. The outrage comes from inside: McCain's severe war injuries prevent him from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes."

Jonah Goldberg got it exactly right:

"I don't think the fact that Obama never served in the military should count against him in and of itself. But how stupid is it for the Obama campaign to claim that McCain is unqualified to be president because he can't grasp cyber-security issues based on the fact he has never sent an email when the McCain campaign can just as easily say Obama can't understand first order national security issues because he's never fired a rife, flown a plane, commanded men in battle, or faced an enemy? I mean which prepares someone to be commander in chief better, hitting "send" on AOL or fighting a war?"

So much for change we can believe in!

- An IND who usually votes DEM but is back in the undecided column as of this week

Amen to Bob Miller, You summed it all up, Americans had better wake up now and send Hussien Obama back to Chicago before it is to late. Nov 4 is getting close and I will be voting for a true American, McCain and America you had better too.

I'm sorry Gerson, there is just soooo much wrong with your "Crocodile Tear" ridden piece here that I am not going to bother to say anything else besides this:

You are not even BOTHERING to have, even a modicum of fairness or rational thought in your commentary. You were like a mild-mannered Rush Limbaugh. What a waste of 5 minutes I will never get back again.

I am simply going to stop reading you -- which is a shame, because I TRY to read the other viewpoints. I want to get opinions from a different perspective -- but you Righties have decided that it is Total War. And that you want to retain power, no matter what. Like some corrupt African Strong Man.

Sad, really sad -- because occasionally -- you used to show a little integrity.

I too was an undecided until a couple of weeks ago. I got so tired of hearing Obama and McCain going at each other on personal attacks and not even talking about the issues. Speaking of issues, they both have some wonderful sound bites, but BOTH of them are just full of air.

First off, has anyone read the Global Poverty Act of 2007? This is a Bill written and submitted in 2007 in that the G8 countries (at the time of its inception) are going to send funds to Africa to combat Poverty in that country. According to the bill, the amount of $25,000,000,000 is to be sent each year until the year 2010, in which it doubles to $50,000,000,000. The United States is one of the most powerful and richest (ahem) countries in the entire world. But lets low ball this and just say that all countries pay the same amount. The first amount the US will be paying is $3,125,000,000. That means that the USA is going to send over 3 Billion US Dollars to Africa to end poverty in that country, and will DOUBLE to 6.25 Billion US Dollars by the year 2010. I dont know about you, but that is insane to me. At that rate, we, the USA would be needing some help to get out of poverty.

By the way, the sponsor and co-sponsor of that bill is Sen Obama and Mr Biden. You can see the actual text of the bill if you go to http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-2433&version=rs&nid= the numbers are in paragraph (9)

On the other side of the Rep/Dem coin, we have McCain, who isnt against leaving our military in Iraq for 50 - 100 years (his words). He also feels that the country shold get back on its feet and create jobs. Thats not the purpose of the Government. Thats how we got into debt in the first place, it has grown way too big and now the Federal Government is in every aspect of our lives.

I was sick at reading how these two people are in line and running for that office. Then I heard about a man named Bob Barr. He has a plan to reduce Government spending and actually has a way to implement it, by making government smaller and getting 'Big Brother' out of our everyday lives. He is against these ridiculous bail-outs of the financial companies that are costing us, the taxpayers so much money that we arent even sure what the total amount will be. As of May, the amount was 300 Billion dollars, lets put this in a way that you can visualize $300,000,000,000. Next in line is the Auto Industry that is already begging for money.

I would like to invite you to the web site www.bobbarr2008.com I use the same Id on there as I do on here. Feel free to discuss with me any issues you have in mind, if I dont know, I will find out.

Africa is a continent, not a country, and it comprises approximtaely 50 countries. Based on your assumption of how much America would contribute to poverty relief under this proposed bill, this comes to around $60 million per country per year, or $5 million per country per month. Considering that we currently spend $10 billion per month in one country, Iraq, this altruistic bill doesn't seem so ridiculous after all.

In my opinion there have been lies, distortions, and stupidity by both the Republican and the Democratic tickets. And in the end the ultimate deciding factor in the race will be either (1) pride in a black man receiving the highest elected office so far in America's history or (2) pride in a white woman receiving the highest elected office so far in America's history.

So much discrimination from your posters, I feel as though I have walked into a den of lions.

Why can McCain not send E-mails since he can browse the internet? Simply put, his fingers were broken so many time while he was serving in a distant land for you to be able to write all your pathetic lies here, that he no longer has fine finger movements, the reason (some nincompoop body specialist analyst) said you can tell he is always lying he never moves his arms much.

I feel nothing but shame for those of you who would mock the mother or the baby, Trig. You must have never been associated with compassionate people who are able to find joy from these wonderful human beings who have Down syndrome, some of the happiest people on this earth.

Obama is down and hopefully not out, as I still want to hear what happened to Larry Sinclair.

These are the proposed tax plans for the two candidates. McCain intends to further cut the taxes of the wealthiest Americans at the expense of the middle and lower income families. Obama’s plan increases taxes on the wealthy, especially that top 1%, to the benefit of working Americans - a first step in reversing the rich-get-richer trend and toward re-building a real middle class. In fact, Obama has offered to actually raise his own taxes for the benefit of the country as a whole. Where are you in this table?
……………… MCCAIN …………. OBAMA
Income ……. Avg tax bill ……. Avg. tax bill
Over $2.9M …. -$269,364 (-4.4%)… +$701,885 (+11.5%)
$603K and up…. -$45,361 (-3.4%)… +$115,974 (+8.7%)
$227K-$603K…… -$7,871 (-3.1%)…….. +$12 (+0.0%)
$161K-$227K…… -$4,380 (-3.0%)….. -$2,789 (-1.9%)
$112K-$161K…… -$2,614 (-2.5%)….. -$2,204 (-2.1%)
$66K-$112K …… -$1,009 (-1.4%)….. -$1,290 (-1.8%)
$38K-$66K …….. -$319 (-0.7%)….. -$1,042 (-2.4%)
$19K-$38K …….. -$113 (-0.5%)……. -$892 (-3.6%)
Under $19K ……… -$19 (-0.2%)……. -$567 (-5.5%)
http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/11/news/eco nomy/candidates_taxproposals_tpc/?postve rsion=2008061113

I disagree!
I believe Obama did make his own major catastrophic mistakes. I briefly count two very important ones:

His first major mistake was going to a disastrous circus-style, presumptuous world tour and giving a speech in Berlin for 200,000 German FANS and surely NOT any VOTERS in November, when he actually needed to be back home talking to ordinary Americans about their daily problems, addressing their issues and their hardships.
The following brilliant game–changing TV Ad by McCain campaign "The Celebrity" I should dare to mark as the historical turn-around, causing the surprise and sudden collapse of Obama’s until now well-preserved “Image”. Obama WAS Image. That Ad unexpectedly shattered and downgraded Obama’s well crafted image to a hollow, shallow celebrity, famous everywhere for having done nothing nobody exactly knows about! Since that TV Ad Obama and his campaign became confused and lost track, direction of the rest of their campaign. Obama’s fame and fans, his two strengths were suddenly his Achilles hill. Now his strengths were his weakness and that was not supposed to be as far as the campaign knew. To me that Ad was a ten ton torpedo hitting the engine room of Obama’s campaign and his titanic campaign began sinking slowly only, and for the first time, right after that Ad.

and his second mistake, and this one his badly fatal, which I don’t think I need to explain a word further after the rise of Sarah Palin star, beyond any reasonable doubt, was his Not picking Hillary as his running mate. He committed “suicide”. Is there a better word? There was after all enough space in the democratic ticket for Hillary, as vice president, having won 18 million votes in the primaries JUST LIKE HIM, wasn’t there?

Dear Mr. Gerson
you said Obama is down but the truth is even worse: Obama is bleeding!
He is bleeding fast. His momentum is vanished and his excited fans and false fame have eclipsed for no good reason exactly like how they suddenly appeared. he will bleed for the remaining 8 weeks until the election day.

After listening and watching Sarah Palin's interview with Charles Gibson I've only one question to ask? (excuse me Sarah) Do you know what the difference is between George Bush and Sarah Palin? Lipstick! I thank the Lord that Obama is running against McCain and not Palin. She's the only other major political candidate that I've heard give the same answer to 2 entirely different questions on policy.

I disagree!
I believe Obama did make his own major catastrophic mistakes. I briefly count two very important ones:

His first major mistake was going to a disastrous circus-style, presumptuous world tour and giving a speech in Berlin for 200,000 German FANS and surely NOT any VOTERS in November, when he actually needed to be back home talking to ordinary Americans about their daily problems, addressing their issues and their hardships.
The following brilliant game–changing TV Ad by McCain campaign "The Celebrity" I should dare to mark as the historical turn-around, causing the surprise and sudden collapse of Obama’s until now well-preserved “Image”. Obama WAS Image. That Ad unexpectedly shattered and downgraded Obama’s well crafted image to a hollow, shallow celebrity, famous everywhere for having done nothing nobody exactly knows about! Since that TV Ad Obama and his campaign became confused and lost track, direction of the rest of their campaign. Obama’s fame and fans, his two strengths were suddenly his Achilles hill. Now his strengths were his weakness and that was not supposed to be as far as the campaign knew. To me that Ad was a ten ton torpedo hitting the engine room of Obama’s campaign and his titanic campaign began sinking slowly only, and for the first time, right after that Ad.

and his second mistake, and this one his badly fatal, which I don’t think I need to explain a word further after the rise of Sarah Palin star, beyond any reasonable doubt, was his Not picking Hillary as his running mate. He committed “suicide”. Is there a better word? There was after all enough space in the democratic ticket for Hillary, as vice president, having won 18 million votes in the primaries JUST LIKE HIM, wasn’t there?

Dear Mr. Gerson
you said Obama is down but the truth is even worse: Obama is bleeding!
He is bleeding fast. His momentum is vanished and his excited fans and false fame have eclipsed for no good reason exactly like how they suddenly appeared out of nowhere. he will bleed for the remaining 8 weeks until the election day.

Barack Obama can still win, but his "computer illiterate" ad won't help. Contrary to what most bloggers (and evidently Obama's handlers) think, many Americans are "computer illiterate" and still hold down good day jobs. Not knowing about, having or needing a PC doesn't mean you're stupid or willfully ignorant, and implying it in a political ad can't possibly do any good if you're looking for that working class vote.

It's wonderful to see that the Obamabots are waking up and seeing him for the elitist same ole same ole social spending democrat that he really is.

His first major mistake was not choosing Hillary as his VP, his second major mistake was choosing a Washington plug in Biden who couldn't even get 9000 votes in his run for the presidency.

The race issue that he's running on is running thin. He is not this countrys messiah, he's a phony that will raise the tax on the rich who will turn around and raise the prices of the goods they sale us, he is not an African American, HE IS A MULATTO.

You keep talking about Sarah taking over as president. What if NObama dies. Do you really want Biden running this country? I don't think so. I would much rather have a cool headed woman that is not from the Washington crowd. It will be Palin-Clinton in 2012.

Sarah is down to earth as you can get and worked her way to where she is now.

So what if McCain doesn't know how to use a computor. My 75 year old mother doesn't either. I ran my business without one until 1999 and did just fine and only got one then because the employees we hired was on the increase and it made payroll much easier. Keep up the smears your going down everyday.

The other thing that facinates me with Gov Palin is that McCain and her do not agree on everything. I think this will show that compromises will be made with both parties to unite this country and put us the people COUNTRY FIRST.

Charlie Gibson soft peddled it with NObama and showed his true liberal colors with Palin but she did just fine in moping the floor with him. All the lies spread about her have been debunked as lies.

This 61 year old Bible thumping, gun toting, redneck woman, Independent will be voting for the party that brings the parties together. McCain/Palin08

Palin is UNQUALIFIED to be V.P. Placing her on the ticket endangers our country! Republicans wake up! The only difference between Palin and G.W. Bush is lipstick, oh yes, Palin is even more unqualified than G.W. Scary!

Obama is not qualified to be president. Also he is sexist, a devisive far left loon and a lier.

Obama never once reached accross the isles like he claims. His whole life has been about running for president. He doesn't have any executive experience. He doesnt' serve the people, he only serves himself.

Obama's abysmal senate record of extreme far left votes or no vote at all is all the proof any HONEST person should need to recognize his total incompetence.

2. An Earmark Transparency Bill with Tom Coburn (R) -- to help Americans see what money is being spent by each member of Congress in earmarks (something Palin said she was coming to DC to do -- Sorry Sarah -- Obama already did it!)

3. The New GI Bill with several Republicans (but NOT John McCain -- WHO DID NOT VOTE FOR IT and only falsely claims to have supported it after he saw how popular it was!).

STOP LYING ABOUT FACTS THAT CAN BE CHECKED.

Don't support Obama for policy or even philosophical reasons -- but not for nonsensical reasons.

The more bashing of Gov. Palin’s experience the more evident becomes the similarity with Obama’s. This guy if you take him out a teleprompter will say stupidities like “taking Russia to the UN Security Council” or “Iran is a tiny thread compare with the Soviet Union”, etc. This is why he spent the whole summer running away from the invitations to town-hall meetings with McCain.

John McCain's broken arms, courtesy of the Hanoi Hilton, are the reason he can't use a keyboard, comb his hair, or tie his shoes. If Obama wants the job of Commander in Chief, he'd probably be better off not making fun of an American Hero's inability to use the computer. It's pretty vicious. It's pretty stupid too, considering the kind of backlash he could get.

Gerson your comments about Barrack is digusting. a twelve year old could have done better.Anyone that will vote for stealing slogan,telling lies, using a woman adultyress etc as a VP .....could be not other than a REPUBLICIAN... LOOK what happen. WAR, HIGH GAS PRICES, HOMES, JOB LOST..shall i continue....PEOLPE wake up!!!!!!!!!!

The great irony in all of this is that Obama's most ardent supporters will not see much of a change in their day-to-day lives if McCain is elected. However those Americans who are naive, jaded, racist, etc. enough to fall for the McCain/Palin smear campaign and smoke and mirrors WILL continue to feel the devastating results of another Republican administration in all that they do -- the lost jobs, the family members sent to fight in a nonsensical war. It's a funny thing, really. The so-called "Red" states are more often than not the states with the highest unemployment rates, the highest divorce and abortion rates (so much for morals!) and the most to gain from a democratic leader.

But I must amend my earlier statement. Obama's supporters lives WILL change if McCain is elected. Because McCain will continue to get us involved in escalating military conflicts that could, and will, eventually, lead to some sort of nuclear disaster. Because McCain and Palin don't take global warming seriously and will pander to big oil, just like the Bush administration.

At some point, when things get bad enough, this country will wake up and elect someone like Obama president. But by then it will be too late.

I digress, I know that Africa is a Continent, it was late and I had been up all day/night. So you are right on that point. But I still have a problem with sending that amount of money to help bring an entire continent out of poverty. Obama stated that he wants to stop building Iraq and get back to building the US. But in sending that much money to Africa instead of the US, how can we build the US? Obama is a closet Socialist. It scares me to think what Obama or McCain would do to this country if elected. I was going to sit this one out until I heard about Bob Barr. Voting for the lesser evil, is still evil. Bob Barr wants real change.

that link you posted is no longer on the CNN page, I regret to say, but in looking at your chart that is posted, everybody's taxes went down with McCain, but dont get excited, I'm not supporting McCain. He has the mindset that will lead this country toward more unneeded wars. Which, in turn will cost us more lives of our milirtary for no purpose, and drive this country deeper in debt as well.

Obama on the other hand, why would you want to tax the rich even more? I am not rich so you cant use that argument, but a majority of the rich are business owners and made their money honestly through hard work. Yes, there are some that inherited it, but why tax them because someone else earned it through hard work? Taking more from the rich and giving it to the poor is Socialism. Let me ask you this, if you were to own a business and made that much money, would you want the Govt to reach in YOUR pockets for that money?

The idea that Palin did well on the interview with Charles Gibson is laughable. Republicans like Gerson think so little of government that they believe that a former beauty pageant contestant, tv sports reporter, and a University of Idaho political science major can simply become a good vice president (and potential president) with a few weeks of cramming. What a joke. Of course, Gerson thinks this is fine and it is not a surprise given that he worked for Bush for several years. He is used to being around dim lights who have led us into the greatest set of strategic failures in this country's history. I can't believe that we have to be subjected to his pathetic columns here. Gerson should take a look in the mirror - his life has contributed to part of the eventual collapse of the United States. Good job, you are an idiot.

If You were The Boss... which team would you hire?
>
> With America facing historic debt, multiple war fronts,
> stumbling health care, a weakened dollar, all-time high
> prison population, skyrocketing Federal spending, mortgage
> crises, bank foreclosures, etc. etc., this is an unusually
> critical election year.
>
> Let's look at the educational background of the
> candidates and see what they bring to the job:
>
> Obama:
> Occidental College - Two years.
> Columbia University - B.A. political science with a
> specialization in international relations.
> Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
>
> Biden:
> University of Delaware - B.A. in history and B.A. in
> political science.
> Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
>
> vs.
>
> McCain:
> United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894 out of 899
> (meaning that, like George Bush, McCain was at the bottom of
> his class)
>
>
> Palin:
> Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
> North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
> University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
> Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
> University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in journalism
>
> Now, which team are you going to hire to lead the most
> influential nation in the world?
>
>
>
>
>

I, too am an independent and believe in voting for a person and what they believe, not for a party. Obama has a Socialist mentality.

McCain is just chomping at the bit to go and have a war so he can mark a victory notch on his belt. He is misleading the US citizens about progress in Iraq. Check out this link. THe real kicker is at about 2:30 - 3:30, but watch the entire thing. He stated that the wants to give everybody a $5,000 refundable tax credit. Thats the govt subsidizing the people. Remember the USSR? When all I was hearing was the McBama rhetoric, I was sickened.

Then I heard about a man named bob Bar, that wants to first off, start reducing the size of the Government. I know that sounds like a tall order, but you have to walk before you can run. He wants to have a flat tax so everybody is paying the same percentage to pay for the govt to operate. Not to mention get the government out of our everyday lives and turn control BACK over to the States like it was intended when the Country was started in the first place.

You have your choice a Navy War hero vs an Empty suit Muslim who sat in a anti-American church for 20 years,hmmm this is a hard choice. I'll go for Mccain even though I'm Democrat. As a Army veteran it's a slap in the face to Veterans to elect a Hate American Muslim into office. The guy say's 57 states my Muslim Faith and George say's Christen. He stutters like the lawyer from my cousin Vinny when theres no teleprompter

I'm former military and I do respect McCain for that, however, he will do nothing but lead the US into more war in a time that we need to get our Military out of Iraq, finish our job in Afghanistan then bring them back home as well. Both Obama AND McCain are the wrong choice in this election.

Mcain is a war hero and a warrior. He is good enough to be a military chief like General Petraeus. But I dont think he is good enough to be a President whose job is to make wise sound decisions always right at the right time.In order to be a good president we need someone educated and lead us in the age of internet.Having someone who is a computer illiterate as the president of the country would be shameful especially when a kid born in this country learn how to use it at the age of 5.He cannot command respect in the world as well.

It is so funny to see the media and these bloggers talk so much about Palin not being experienced enough to be President without asking the same questions of OBama who has less experience. And let's not forget where he actually stands on the issues: Present...not for or against...just present. At least Palin and McCain take a stand instead of the cowards way out...oh of course that must make me a racist if I don't believe in Jesus OBama...

Americans look at Palin and see themselves? Well, let's think about that. I am an American. I did not take six years to get through college; I did not attend five institutions. I did not end my education with a BA. I do not believe that Creationism should be taught co-equally with biology in high school science classes. I do not believe that a pregnant 13 year-old raped by Mama's boyfriend should be forced to bear the child. I did not until age 38 remain a member of a church that practices speaking in tongues and the casting out of demons and that anticipates The Rapture. I can define "Bush Doctrine". I can pronounce "nuclear".

how many of you think that bill clinton, rhodes scholar, a yale university law school grad, a president, is smart?

he cannot type. yes. that's it.

mccain does not need the computer skills. i know of quite of few VERY successful people in their late 60s who cannot use a computer.

do YOU think you can use a computer? surf the web? or write a program? mccain has no time to surf the web. and his secretary can send the emails for him. so what's the problem?

i am an expert on computers. i am young.

and yes, i think mccain is not applying to be a computer specialist. he is applying for the job of the president and he has shown, over the years, that his judgment is sound and very american.

OBAMA, ON THE OTHER HAND, HAS SHOWN THAT HIS ASSOCIATIONS WITH WRIGHT, AYERS, PFLEGER, AND DAVID ARE A PATTERN, NOT A SINGLE INCIDENT. DO YOU DISAGREE? OK. DID ANYONE BUY A HOUSE FOR YOU? REZKO DID FOR OBAMA.

BOB MILLER - YOU ARE RIGHT. OBAMA DID ONLY HAVE ONE - MANDATORY ARTICLE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW REVIEW. HE WAS THE FIRST PRESIDENT AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF THE RULE STIPULATING THAT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION SHOULD BE IN PLAY, NOT JUST THE PERFORMANCE. UP UNTIL THEN IT WAS GRADES ONLY. HE HAD NO PUBLICATIONS AS INSTRUCTOR OF LAW AT UIC IN 10 YRS. A WHITE WOULD BE FIRED FOR THAT.

Maybe its time for Obama to embrace the celebrity factor. Work with people from all over the country to kick start the largest voter registration drive in history targeting his most solid supporters. Colleges, African American communities, next generation church goers angry that Republicans call themselves "God's party" and engage in underhanded tactics, Women's rights groups, communities held together by community organizers who took some mocking at the GOP convention, labor unions, an online global campaign that will let other countries ask Americans to vote for Obama, all while pressuring the media to not be afraid to call out the McCain camp about their lies.
Obama should forget about the blue collar, small hall meeting, rolled up sleeve approach, reaching out to people looking for the smallest excuse to bail on him. Put on a suit, make some t-shirts, get Hollywood on board, grab the headlines, hold some rallies (big rallies), give some speeches, leave Palin alone...and hope for the best.
With less than 2 months to go, it's time to play by your own rules Democrats.

Well, if McSame can use a blackberry and cell phone, he should be able to peck on a keyboard. Plus there are assistive devices for folks. Sad. No excuse, too out of touch for me, personal gain first, country second.

Can I have answer about the American 2008 election? Who is running for presidency on the republican campaign? To me it sounds like Paline is!!! Some people think Mr. J. McCain is dump, not really, the dummy once are the American people. He knows what is doing. He brought this lady to distract the Americans from the truth and he achieved his dream no matter what it takes. They are not questioning, what the next president is going to do for them, they are in love with this lady now that they do not even know who is running for what. He knows the weak side of the public, if the democrats say anything he will jump in to things like sexism and distract the whole issue the country is facing and the American people do not seem to care. But the world cares and you will not have the gut to say anything to the world. First, America, solve your own problem before you talk about the world issue. The world is not going back, it is going forward and it is not going to take your BS!!!

Right on andrea! Thank you for the facts on McCain's long covered-up military record. How a party boy Admiral's son and all-around screw-up got away with claiming to be a war hero is a mystery. Oh, wait. No it's not. His daddy was an Admiral, kind of like how George Bush II's daddy was a member of the elite. It's amazing how Rovean propaganda has fooled so many people into believing the big lie that Barack Obama, whose background is quite humble, is an elitist, while privileged Admiral's son John Sidney McCain III, who can't even remember how many houses he owns, and who thinks you're not rich unless you're making at least $5 million a years, is a regular guy. When will the media start reporting the facts?

The Palin political legacy is starting to be revealed this week - secret communications, overpaid jobs for friends, ethics violations, hopefully the lipstick will be wiped away and the pig will be revealed. Palin is Bush-lite-lite. She dosn't have to play the dumb yokel - she is the real deal! The word is starting to come out of Alaska about this dumb - really dumb - book banning simpleton was up to. However the Dems still seem to think they are in a knife fight - bring your guns boys and girls.

For a few months Obama was ahead in the polls by 3 - 4 points on average. During those months the press kept asking why he wasn't ahead by more and even asserted that the race was dead even. Now - for a couple of weeks - McCain has been ahead by 2 - 3 points (withing the margin of error) and the press is talking about the end of Obama. Does anyone else get the feeling that Gerson and his ilk are truly dimwits?

Everyone, relax. Wait for the debates. McCain couldn't even handle the View and Palin couldn't even hit Gibson's softballs (he didn't think he was asking her a hard question regarding the Bush Doctrine. He was shocked she didn't know). Neither one will give real interviews.

Debate Question No. 1 to Palin - you believe that a women should not be able to get an abortion even in the case of rape or incest?

Debate Question No. 1 to McCain - how could you select someone for Vice President that you only met once?

These will be the easy ones. The fact is that there are no questions Obama and Biden can't handle (the surge? Well if there was no war we would not have 4,000 dead and we wouldn't have needed a surge, which is starting to fall apart).

Question No. 2 to McCain - Are you proud of George Bush's presidency?

Question No. 2 to Palin - you say that you agree with the Bush Doctrin - that it is US policy to launch a preemptive attack when the U.S. is in imminent danger of attack - what was the imminent danger from Iraq? They had no missles to attack us with and had nothing to do with 9/11. The problem is the Bush Doctrine justified the war in Iraq because it was a "gathering' threat and the US had a right to prevent this type of threat. That's the scary part of what Bush has done and why the world is scared to death of Bush/Cheney/McCain policy.

Gerson I totally disagree with you about
the now deceased and DOA Obama/Biden Team
Failed 2008 Socialist Democrat Liberal
Presidential Capaign as it has ended in
a fatal cardiac arrest and was found to ge
DOA upon arrival at the DNC Failed Campaign
Medical Center! Its Over Empty Suits,Liars
Drug Addict/Drug Pusher,and Alcoholics
Barack Hussein Obama and Loud Mouth Joe Who? are now fellow members of the Elitist
Failed Democrat Presidential Campaign Club
that includes old fake medals Swift Boat
Whiner John Kerry and $400 Buck Adulterer
Pretty Boy John Edwards,Al Gore and Joe
Lieberman,and all the rest! NOBAMA EVER!

Fed Up White Female Independent Voter For
Sen John McCain and Gov Sarah Palin 2008!
Palin for President 2012 and 2016!

i am so amazed at how many people in this world are caught up with Sara Palin.I know that they are probably republicans in the first place or a woman looking for some other woman to define them as a waoman. It is funny how it doen't matter that she is a liar and a hippocrite. It doesn't matter that she does not even know what the vice presidents job is(those are her own words) and it doesn't matter that she takes everything personal. If it doesn't suit her personally it is cut off at the neck. Isn't that what bush did or maybe not as much as Sarah. She cares nothing about you dumb women supporters. She doesn't know how to run a country she is a joke. But rather than have a black man as president you would rather leave all our lives in a inexperience person hands, Are you crazy. Its a good thing God is still in controll.

The only thing that Obama has going for him is his personallity and stage presence. He has a very "slick" media image. Well, I already tried one "Slick" democrat who is responsible for half the mess we are in today. Never again.

To all Dem and Rep posters, and undecided voters. I posted this on another reply string earlier and it just about sums up my opinion about the whole situation. But before I insert it, I've never believed in toeing the 'Party Line' just because it's the 'In' thing. Yeah, sure the Rep and Dem parties are the biggest 2 parties represented in this election (and most others) but that doesnt make them the right choices. We need to think for ourselves, look at the facts and stop listening to the media and being side-tracked by some stupid lipstick comment, or fashion statement. Start looking at the real issues.

Ok, here is the previous post.

I'm not a Libertarian, even though I share alot of the same beliefs and principles. Ive stated before that I was going to sit this election out because I was so sick of watching these 2 Socialists in the guise of Republicans and Democrats, fight each other on who is going to be the one to rip this country to shreds. One of them wants to be able to put some notches on his bedpost for winning wars, the other one wants to get the rest of the entire globe out of poverty, by driving the US into poverty.

When I saw a clip on Bob barr, I did some research on him and like what he said, and is saying. He has a plan to fix things, and no, it wont be an easy or quick fix. It's going to take years, maybe even decades to fix the damage that has been done since Reagan left Office. But you must walk before you can run. If people keep thinking that he has no chance and vote for McCain or Obama because 'one of them is going to win and I vote for the lesser evil', then true Democracy has lost. I refuse to believe that is true. That is the exact reason that I keep coming on here and many other blog sites to get the word out.

I would like to invite you to visit www.bobbarr.com and look at the issues yourself, THEN make your decision. I'm not like alot of Party Puppets and try to convince anybody of something because of my argument or my points. I'm not a public speaker and if someone can be swayed to vote for Bob just because of something that I have said, that person hasnt thought about it. My goal here, is to just raise a point that there IS someone that wants REAL change in the United States and has a plan to get us there. You may not agree with one or two of them, but you can make a choice for yourself. I regularly put comments on reply strings there and use the same name as I do here. Feel free to ask me anything and if I dont know the answer, I can find someone that does.

Thank you...

If you agree with me in that there needs to be a REAL change, there are 3 things that can be done, those are:

Read and sign the debate petition found at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/presidential_debates/ All you need to do is put your name (unless you choose to remain Anonymous) and email address, then click on the submit button.

The next thing is to go to this link http://www.lpgeorgia.com/opendebates.php and put yoru name and email address on a pre typed, professional letter that will be sent to approximately 90 individuals involved in the planning of the debates. Along with copies being sent to the McBama campaigns.

The last thing is to call the Commission on Presidential Debates and state your desire to have the REAL voice of America be heard. The idea is to flood their offices with so many calls that they will have to know that ‘We the People’ are tired of the status quo. The number is (202) 872-1020

Sarah Palin's selection shows how poor McCain's leadership and judgment skills are. If he wins the election and happens to die, the presidency would be above her head. On the other hand, Obama, regardless of what anyone can say about his experience, was the one who actually placed his country first, by selecting a running mate that can do the job if needed. Obama is a leader, McCain is not.

Why keep asking about Sarah's experience, she has executive experience as the governor of Alaska, Obama has less experience than she does and he's running for the main job!!!
He should not even bring the topic of experience up for discussion, it will only back fire!

And about the Bush Doctrin: Charlie Gibson didn't get it right himself!

Obama will re-focus the message to and for what he stand - It is about saving America for our son and daughter and not McCain friends and familly party changing chair in washington.
If you don't understand or stay in denial then don't be sorry in 4 years - vote Obama to give change a future not a chance

An example... On the Carrier, McCain's plane was hit by a missile fired by a plane halfway across the deck. He didn't cause this accident, but was caught up in it.

People will change any fact they wish to make the world seem more friendly to their views. World sees McCain as a hero, then make up lies that 'prove' he isn't. Sarah Palin is seen as a reformer who's cut earmarks in her state in half, then make up lies about her religion and only mention the earmarks she did go for.

ENOUGH. I'M AN INDEPENDENT, AND THE LIES I'VE SEEN ARE MOSTLY FROM THE DEMOCRATS. I'D SAY THE DEMS HAVE THE LOCK ON LIES BY AT LEAST 4 TO 1... ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE MEDIA DOESN'T POINT THOSE OUT WITH SUCH RELISH.

I wholeheartedly agree that there is alot of lying, he said/she said/they said on this site. I'm agsinst McCain and Obama, not Republicans nor Democrats. Both of them have policies that they want to enact, yet no way to pay for it. Each of them wants to turn this country into a Welfare Nation.

I'm going to ask you to check out this link of McCain on video and decide for yourself who lies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y395Tftgz0E

Look, around you America!!..Large money institutions are Falling Fast!!!...Mortgage Giants...have been taken over to prevent ruins..Auto Makers are on the verge of collasping...Gas and Food Prices are continuing to rise..The war is Draining our Economy..and the best thing people can talk about is Obama, McCain, Biden and Palin. Has anyone Truly REALIZED THAT NO MATTER WHO WINS THIS ELECTION....there will be HELL to PAY!!..to bring this nation out of the RED!!!..we are losing perspective on what this country will really need!!!...MONEY!! LOTS AND LOTS OF MONEY!!..NOW.JUST WHERE ARE WE GOING TO GET IT?..Ahhh...now I have your attention!!! None of the candidates have really indicated just how they plan to rebuild this nation finaincially. I am a republican..if I hear one more (*(^& slander ad...guess who won't be getting my vote!!!

I couldnt agree wth you more. I too have seen those problems, all of us have seen and been dealing with the gas price problem.

Like I said earlier, I'm not here to win a vote for Bob Barr, just here to offer a fresh voice about a candidate that DOES have a plan and a way to implement that plan. Go to www.bobbarr2008.com and look at the issues link. I use the same ID on that site as I do on here.

MT Grassland, unfortunately, youre right as well. I'm not going to diagree, she is the sexiest VP candidate (definitely HOT), but that isnt one of the issues that I am looking at in an election, and am guessing that youre not either. I'd like to invite you as well, and anyone else, to check out the Bob Barr site and look at the issues tab. Do the research for yourself and make up your own mind.

To those that are voting for Obama: have any of you ever wondered where or not it isn't just a little presumptuous or perhaps arrogant of the man to run for President after 2 years and 1 month in the US Senate? Back in November 2004 he was still in the Illinois Senate! On February 5 of 2007, he decides that he's ready to be President? How does he come to that conclusion? How does he feel that he's qualified? Based on being able to give a good speech? Shouldn't have Charlie Gibson or anyone that has interviewed him asked that question? When you're enamored with the man it's unlikely you're going to make him feel uncomfortable by asking tough questions...

I'm so sick of this appeal of Palin coming from the idea that "she is like us."

Since when did the average American have the wisdom, intelligence, vision or knowledge to lead the country and most of the world? Is this how arrogant we've become?

I find it amazing that the same conservatives who have always spoken against egalitarianism and leveling are now promoting the embodiment of mediocrity and mass appeal. The same conservatives who rally against "class warfare" also embrace the politics of envy and resentment against anyone who has been to a top school, been a professional, or starred in a Hollywood film. It doesn't matter if class is redefined as attitude rather than the size of a bank account, the message is the same: you should despise these people because they think they're better than you.

It just shows that all they really want is power, that there are no serious ideas but power, that there is only lust for power.

Joe Six-Pack and Sarah Hockey-Mom are not qualified to run the country. That doesn't make them bad, it doesn't mean they deserve to be treated like dirt, it doesn't even mean they should have no say in the political process. Pointing it out doesn't make me or anyone an "elitist". As conservatives always say when it comes to affirmative action, welfare, entitlement programs, disparities in wealth: some people are simply more talented and driven than others, some are born with more intelligence, and society try to make the most out of each person's attributes rather than allowing a below-average citizen to be promoted to political stardom so we can make everyone feel like "they've been included".

This should be about policies and issues, not personalities or backgrounds, and Obama's will actually help the vast majority of Joe Six-Packs and Sarah Hockey-Mom's more than McCain-Palin's will.

Well lets hope Obama keeps showing his true colors. He has shown he can change positions like a stop light an almost every controversial issue, and now he has gone from walking above all anger and hopelessness to belittling woman, name calling, age discrimination and laughing about it on talk shows. What is next?

I hope that as much information as possible is made avaialble to the American people to make an informed decision to elect a leader for the future. I hope that given the information the American people receive, the American people will put aside their prejudism in every way to make an informed decision to elect a leader for the future. I hope that the American people will quit calling for more drilling for oil in our off-shores not only not to forget the Exxon-Valdez disaster, but because it is time we wean ourselves off the oil and ethanol in every respect so we can acclaim real independence in energy by opting for alternatives of the future. Those who continue promoting oil are deceiving the American people and themselves, including those who believe they will be more independent by drilling more or off-shore. I hope that less glitter will be dedicated to the superficial shams and deceptions that really confuse the right change we need in every way we will need to deal with the world issues over the environment, phony policies in energy, lobbying, foreign policy, poverty including overcome the fear of terrorism and those who promoted the fear in the name of patriotism. I hope the democrats continue to reach accross the aisle even if and when republicans and/or independents continue to be divisive. I hope the right candidate is able to reveal all ploys against deception, misinformation or incomplete information for political gain, so the American people can make the right decision in electing the right candidate, right for leading America into a new future. I hope for the right change, not the false or presumptive or unreal change. It IS time for the right kind of change! Vote Obama!

Thank God. Thank Sarah Palin. She has saved America from being disgraced. What the politically correct media was touting as improvement of American image in the world would have been the biggest disgrace ever. Their is nothing wrong in electing a proven black president. But by crowning Obama Hussuein as the king of America the majority race in this country would look like foolish children waiting to be lifted by the pseudo-messiah.

Do you like the idea of living in the New USSR? Both Obama and McCain will just about be the nail in the coffin sealing our fate if either of them wins. I'm not talking about non-issues here about experience, fashion sense, or lipstick comments. I'm referring to their economic policies. Both of them want the Government to offer a Government backed healthcare program, think that the Govt should create jobs. McCain is just about salivating to go to war with Iran. Obama wants the US to help 'cure' poverty for the entire continent of Africa, instead of keeping the money here in the USA to get our debt (which is now to astronomical levels) paid off.

Yeah, sure Obama does make great speeches, I'm not trying to contest that. When he wants to increase the taxes for those that are earning the most money, that, my friend is Socialism. Those are the people that (for the most part) own businesses and employ the ones that dont make as much. Once you start making them pay more, it cuts into the bottom line of those businesses and things start getting more expensive, they stop hiring people and the vicious cycle will continue.

This country already looks ridiculous in all the nonsensical discussion of lipstick, pigs, what glasses Palin wears... blah blah blah.

I dont care about those kind of conversations. If McCain is elected President, I guarantee that we will be at war for a majority of the time that he is in Office, if not from the first week. Did you go and check out the link to his video while he was touring in Iraq? If not, check this video out and listen to what he was saying, from his own mouth. Here it is again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y395Tftgz0E

Obama was extremely arrogant when he ignored the 18,000,000 votes for Clinton.
He basically thumbed his nose and expected that the 18,000,000 voters were going to vote for him, because he is Barack Obama the annointed democratic nominee of the democratic super delegates.
The democratic party should have truly come together (the unity they claimed but didn't deliver) by selecting either Clinton as VP or a female. Instead after claiming "unity" and "change" they picked Biden. Biden received less than 20,000 votes in the primaries and has been in the senate for more than 30 years. I ask, Is that "unity" and "change?" Even if you are an Obama supporter you must admit that he failed to the deliver the unity and change that he promised. That was Obama's first big decision, that of a choosing a running mate and he got it wrong.
McCain probably sat back and said I will deliver unity and change to my party, and I may even pick up a few votes from Hillary supporters (believe me He Will).

With the elections as close as they have been in the past few years, Obama's mistake may be enough for McCain to win.

and look what the obamabots have resorted to. what it, it could happen, but..if...well

all theoretical...i believe Howard Dean is using the Goebel handbook. incidently, didn't Hitler start off fantastically popular with the then very disheartened Germans...yes, sounds just like our dear psuedo erudite Obama....thats Hussein if your nasty.

let's see how long the dems and libs keep telling us how honest mr obama is and if the socialists in the MSM will dig here as hard as they have with the MILF VP

http://www.cashill.com/natl_general/why_obama_is_mum.htm

what lifted Obama from obscurity to national prominence in such a short time you may wonder ?

why not ask Percy Sutton, the most powerful civil right activist in New York

We know enough about Obama’s Columbia grades to know how far they fall below the Harvard norm, likely even below the affirmative action-adjusted black norm at Harvard.

As far back as 1988, however, Obama had serious pull. He would need it. As previously reported, Khalid al-Mansour, principal adviser to Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, lobbied friends like Manhattan Borough president Percy Sutton to intervene at Harvard on Obama’s behalf.

An orthodox Muslim, al-Mansour has not met the crackpot anti-Semitic theory he could not embrace. As for bin Talal, in October 2001, New York mayor Rudy Giuliani sent his $10 million relief check back un-cashed after the Saudi

What nobody is pointing out is the simple image the McCain ticket is running and banking on. We are electing Mom & Dad to run the US with Sarah Palin playing the simple stay at home frugal mom roll balancing the books taking care of the kids and McCain will be out there bringing home the bacon and protecting the family from evil. It works for the Low-info voter because it makes sense and is safe. We don't need another mom and dad we need representatives & leaders whose actions surpass their own "personal" understanding and experience. It is reality TV for dumb people and now its heading for the White House.

What no one is talking about is which polling agency is releasing the bulk of these polls. Rasmussen polls are repsonsible for the "bump" in the State polls, Gallup and Rasmussen are responsible for the lingering numbers for McCain in the national polls.

Whatever the case, know this: There has been a flood of conservative polls, some who have not released a poll all year, pushing the numbers up for McCain.

If this continues and major non conservative polling agencies release with the same numbers as Gallup and Rasmussen, then I will concede Obama is in trouble. However, if things go as they should, there should be a "backlash" from Palin's lies. This should turn the table in Obama's direction.

Would all of the republicans who dis "liberals" in a generalized, non-specific way like to give up their (1) social security; (2) medicare; (3) vote (if you're female or African-American) among other things? I think not.

Well its kind of obvious why Sarah Palin is generating so much buzz...we really do want change...we have just been waiting for it to come along...finally...someone like us...one of our own...the regular people that work, take care of their families and generally just mind their own business and make this country what it is...a great place to live...the best.....

on another note, you left leftist should really do your homework on Obama....who is this guy really...I have talked to alot of people right and left and the most uninformed are always the leftist...just do a study on Saul Alinsky and his connection to Obama....the core belief of Alinsky is that the means justifies the end...and the end game is power...think about that...that attitude has caused two world wars and countless human trageties...our founding founders are rolling in their graves....carefull where you wish to trod...you may get what you ask for and it may be very bad for you and the rest of us...

Quite simply, this is the time for Obama to get AT LEAST as nasty as McCain.
What distinguished Bill Clinton from the army of Democratic wannabes who failed to win the White House?
Bill has the Will To Power, he NEVER sat back and waited to be attacked, he always let the other guy lead the mud path, but THEN he handed out buckets of the stuff.
Ask 41 what he thinks about the Iran-Contra ads of 1992.
It's still a sore subject with the former CIA director.
Americans, like it or not, demand macho aggression in their Presidential Candidates, and, as John Kerry learned, the high road leads to an asterisk next to your name not "President"!
If McCain wants the dirt, there are so many ways to him him and his FAILED beauty star vacuum headed alter ego that Obama cannot win unless he shows America that he WANTS to win, and will do what it takes.
GO FOR IT OBAMA!
RUB THEIR NOSES IN IT.
Above all, run every counter ad, the type where you tell the truth in reply to their lies, with a backdrop of the "Straight talk express" falling of a freeway overpass into the mud.

I take offense at the writer's cavalier treatment of Obama's not making any mistakes. That is because the elitist media have not pushed him on his known ties to terrorist Ayers, and to his anti-America pastor,Rev.Wright. But Americans are shrewder then the snarky media elites would like to think. And when a fish ,like Obams, starts smelling to high heavens, it is time to throw it out.

I am heartsick. I began college in 1969. I truly felt that my generation believed in peace and brotherhood. I truly believed that we were going to create an equal and honorable society. Look what we have done. We gave the world George Bush; we lie to go to war; we have created an elitist and corrupt society; we have stained the magnificent name of America throughout the world; we are in incredible debt and have the worst economy since the depression. This is the world that we have created to leave to our children and grandchildren.
Some of the women whom I stood beside in the women’s movement are allowing their own strong-willed nature to become more important that the general good they have struggled for. They are letting the symbol of our movement (Hillary Clinton) become more important than the causes she stands for. Do they not care that Sarah Palin not only supports Bush’s policies, but takes them to even a more outrageous point? Will women really vote for her simply because she is a confident (not competent) woman?
For God sakes, will Americans really vote for McCain and Palin? Will they really vote to continue the path we have been following during the last eight years??? Will they really be satisfied with what we are turning over to our children and grandchildren? History will treat US harshly, so will our progeny. Americans, wake up and remember your souls.

I find it hard to believe that in this democracy, we have our choices limited before the race even begins. The rules say that a candidate must be polling at 15% nationally from 5 different polls. But these polls ask who are you voting for 1)repub 2)democrat 3)undecided. No other candidates can ever get to the debates with these rules.

The real tragedy of this election is the propagation of the two parties that have created the problems we all have now. None has solved problems or offered solutions other than increasing government help. They both see the government as the best way to solve problems rather than individuals and private organizations. This is why I'm voting for Bob Barr. He is the only candidate who has said that he will NOT promise government healthcare, NOT promise bailouts for big corporations, etc.

The solution to the problems is to get the wasteful government out of the loop and put it back to the task of supporting and defending the Constitution.

you are right...the commission on elections was a BI-partisan committee to discuss how to regulate debates. Thus, they wrote the rules to keep them both in power and any challengers out. This limits our options and reduces dialog to back and forth attacks rather than a thoughtful discussion of the issues.

Howard, what state are you in? I believe that Bob will be on about 47 ballots. You should be able to see if you go to google/yahoo and search for _________ secretary of state, just put your state's name in the blank. Since each state is different, it might take a little work to find out the information. Technically Bob should be the only candidate on the Texas ballot according to the Texas Electoral Code, which states that the candidates must have their submission for candidacy in by 5pm on the 70th day before the election, which was August 26th and both parties had their National Conventions well afterward. The other parties make a HUGE stink about Independents not making deadlines and file lawsuits to have them removed if they actually do make the deadline. But it's really funny (in a sad way) that they dont have to follow the same rules.

If you go to the www.bobbarr2008.com website, there are new reply strings there every day with people from all over the country, one of them might know if he is on the ballot in your state. I post with the same name that I use on this site.

Thank you for your interest. But make sure you check the 'issues' tab on his site for more about where he stands, so you see why we are backing him.

As a Republican of many years, I am disgusted with the entire Party. To now see the grey haired balding guys come to the aid of Sarah (Hail Mary) Palin is as big a lie as hell. I know they choked on their morning cofee when they read the newspaper. He Did What??? That Jackass!! I know that the local party here in the NATI, and the National Party for that matter, always thought that John McCain was a NUT!!! Do anyone remember the Bush ads from Year 2000!

Every 4 years the Republicans run out the same can of FEAR wrapped in the American Flag and the Majority of America swallow it without chewing. For the McCain camp to include the 9/11 replay in the party convention says what? If you don't vote for us this could happen again? Was it not the Republican's policy of a smaller government responsible for it happening in the 1st place.

While we were distracted by the IRAQ war they sold this Country right out from under us.

What happens when China and Saudi calls our mark?

Bottom line when Bill Clinton (Even though I did not vote for him) was in Office my 401K made me rich. After 8 years of Jr. I will be working until I am 80. Not only is my 401K worthless; but the SOB's who took my money got booted out with $125 Million each.

Word is just in...the Libertarian Party won their lawsuit in PA! John McCain's operatives were trying to have Bob Barr removed from the ballot so that [paraphrasing] "there would be no disruptions to the election". Additionally, Bob Barr was the only candidate who legally met the deadline for admission to the ballot in TX. By Law, candidates have to file their paperwork 70 days before the election, which was before the RNC even had their convention!!! The Sec'y of State of TX has (unsuprisingly) put Obama and McCain on the ballot (illegally).

It is clear that the two parties, that have given us a $407 billion deficit this year and a national debt of a staggering $9.6 TRILLION, will not solve our problems.

Bob Barr has proven experience as a Congressman. He's also more than bipartisan, he balances his work with both the NRA and the ACLU. By turning to the Constitution and returning our liberties, he will reduce government intrusion, shrink government, and reduce taxes.

Vote for Liberty, something that the Republicans and Democrats will not bring to us.

Neither McCain nor Obama deserves our votes. Their parties have caused us nothing but pain. And while you may have prospered under Clinton, a president has little control over the economy. It is mostly the free market that rules, and when government messes with it, we get bailouts and meltdowns that only reinforce those CEO's and others who made bad decisions. I mean, if I could start a company, make bad decisions, ship bad products, keep the revenue, go under AND get the government to buy my company--why would I ever stop? The S&L, the Mortgage, and the next bailout (Detroit Auto Companies???). It only ends when the government stops trying to make everything "safe". Corporate best practices only emerge when there is a problem. Does anyone REALLY think that Sarbanes-Oxley mandating a CEO to sign the financial statement is going to change things? Nope.

Please frame this question/analogy in your mind: Your only choices are Vanilla or Chocolate milkshakes. You “HAVE” to choose from these two because they are the only choices you’ve ever been offered…they’re the ONLY ones on the menu.

In Polling, people are asked: Do you want Vanilla, or Chocolate or haven’t you decided? And People, as we all will do, will probably decide given those choices…I mean, who can’t decide between the “obvious” two “best” choices? And really, I wouldn’t want to be “undecided” because my peers would look upon me as a moron who can’t see the light…the choices are OBVIOUS!!!! Chocolate or Vanilla, I mean how hard can it be? You MUST be a moron if you can’t decide.

Or…you are a person. A voter. A thinker. You see that things could be different. There could be choices of “Strawberry”, or “banana crème”, or “mocha blend”, or the great multitude of choice that has allowed business and Americans to thrive.

So, why is it that the media continues to only “report” on vanilla or chocolate (this is NOT a racial reference, please…)

They only report two choices! And Americans fall in line and accept that those are their only choices.

If people thought of presidential candidates in these simple terms, many questions could be answered:

Does choosing Chocolate “take away from” the sales of Strawberry? Yes, but this doesn’t influence the sales of Vanilla. Those who choose strawberry would probably always choose strawberry. In fact, having other choices probably DOES take away from BOTH the “vanilla” and “chocolate” choices. This is not bad, because the consumer gets what they want, and it’s conceivable that the “third” choice could be bigger than either of the two choices. Really, if anyone has taste-buds, why would they continue to choose “vanilla” as a majority??

I am surprised at the self-loathing that whites r indulging in. From BBC to MSNBC the media seems to have jumped on the Obama bandwagon without real acheivements. The attacks on Sarah Palin r unbeleiveable. The liberal media cannot stand the fact that a decent lady can have a family and yet be a powerful popular Governor. For Obamaites to argue that she is not experienced enough for the #2 spot is laughable as he has less executive experience than her and is seeking the #1 spot. Palin can very easily learn in 6 months about foreign policy etc.Both Mcain and Palin r proven Mavericks (both have gone against their party at times) whereas Obama has been as liberal as it gets. His current claims about being a reformer and aisle-crosser are nothing but rhetoric without track record. Why in the world should Americans trust this 46 year old sweet-talker to rule the greatest country on this planet based on words without record to support them? Whats the rush? Why can't he serve for longer as Senator etc and prove himself before seeking the top job?

Dont get me wrong, I am not a supporter of Obama. McCain and Palin... both think that we should go and defend Georgia because of the short war with Russia. Georgia used military force against South Ossetia because they were trying to reunite with Russia. Does being part of NATO mean that when a NATO country abuses its power to force people to do something agiainst their will mean that we have to support that as well? It's looking to me that NATO has become the new Warsaw Pact if that IS the case.